Arsenal top four hopes over after home draw with Brighton

Updated: Oct 17, 2023, 08:56 pm

Arsenal's hopes of a top-four finish are all but over after their 1-1 draw against Brighton at the Emirates on Sunday.

While Unai Emery's could still equal Tottenham's points tally of 70 on the final day with a victory at Burnley and defeat for their north London rivals at home to Everton, they would still require an eight-goal swing, which is highly unlikely.

Arsenal still have the chance to play Champions League football next season should they win the Europa League title. The Gunners have a 3-1 advantage in their Europa League semifinal tie with Valencia, with the second leg on Thursday in Spain. 

"We knew it was going to be difficult but our focus is now the Europa League," Emery, who won the competition three times in a row with Sevilla, told BBC Sport.

"We have the opportunity in the Europa League to do something important and we will try and do that."

Brighton came into this match on a high after Cardiff's defeat at home to Crystal Palace ensured they would remain in the Premier League and were able to play without pressure.

However, they were behind on nine minutes thanks to a Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang penalty after Brighton's Alireza Jahanbakhsh had fouled Nacho Monreal.

Glenn Murray, Brighton
Glenn Murray, Brighton
Catherine Ivill/Getty Images

But, Arsenal failed to add a second and conceded a penalty of their own 61 minutes when Granit Xhaka brought down Solly March -- and Glenn Murray made no mistake from 12 yards.

The home side piled on the pressure after Brighton's equaliser and Aubameyang in particular was guilty of a shocking miss -- while Brighton's Pascal Gross blazed over when it appeared easier to score.

Brighton stay 17th, but will be playing Premier League football for a third consecutive campaign.